Chili Reinvented: How To Can Leftover Chili For Easy Weeknight Dinners
What To Know
- And when it comes to leftover chili, canning is a great option to extend its shelf life and have a delicious meal on hand whenever you need it.
- Keep the jars hot in a warm oven or by placing them in a hot water bath.
- Use a funnel to fill the hot jars with the chili, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top.
Canning is a fantastic way to preserve your favorite dishes and enjoy them later. And when it comes to leftover chili, canning is a great option to extend its shelf life and have a delicious meal on hand whenever you need it. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of canning leftover chili, ensuring that it’s safe and flavorful for months to come.
Gather the Necessary Equipment
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary equipment:
- Canning jars and lids
- Jar lifter
- Canning tongs
- Large pot or canner
- Pressure gauge (for pressure canning)
- Funnel
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean kitchen towels
Prepare the Chili
1. Check the chili: Ensure the leftover chili is still in good condition, with no signs of spoilage.
2. Adjust seasonings: If necessary, adjust the flavors of the chili by adding spices, herbs, or salt to your taste.
3. Cool the chili: Let the chili cool to room temperature before canning.
Prepare the Canning Jars
1. Wash the jars: Thoroughly wash the canning jars and lids in hot, soapy water.
2. Sterilize the jars: Sterilize the jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
3. Keep the jars hot: Keep the jars hot in a warm oven or by placing them in a hot water bath.
Fill the Jars
1. Use a funnel: Use a funnel to fill the hot jars with the chili, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top.
2. Remove air bubbles: Tap the jars gently to remove any air bubbles.
3. Wipe the rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any excess chili.
Seal the Jars
1. Place the lids: Place the lids on the jars and tighten the bands finger-tight.
2. Tighten the bands: Use canning tongs to tighten the bands further, but avoid overtightening.
Process the Jars
There are two methods for processing canned chili:
Water Bath Canning
1. Fill the canner: Fill a large pot or canner with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Place the jars: Carefully lower the jars into the boiling water using a jar lifter.
3. Cover the jars: Make sure the jars are completely covered by at least 1 inch of water.
4. Process the jars: Process the jars for 90 minutes for pints and 110 minutes for quarts.
Pressure Canning
1. Fill the canner: Fill a pressure canner with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Place the jars: Arrange the jars in the canner and secure the lid.
3. Vent the canner: Vent the canner for 10 minutes to remove any air.
4. Process the jars: Process the jars at 10 pounds of pressure for 20 minutes for pints and 25 minutes for quarts.
Cool the Jars
1. Remove the jars: Once the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and let the pressure canner cool down naturally.
2. Remove the jars from the canner: Use a jar lifter to carefully remove the jars from the canner.
3. Cool the jars: Let the jars cool completely on a wire rack or clean kitchen towels.
Inspect the Seals
Once the jars have cooled, check the seals to ensure they have sealed properly. Press the center of each lid; it should not flex or pop up. If a lid does not seal properly, discard the jar.
Store the Canned Chili
Store the canned chili in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Final Thoughts: Preserving Leftover Chili for Future Enjoyment
Canning leftover chili is a simple and effective way to preserve your favorite dish and enjoy it later. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your canned chili is safe and flavorful for months to come. So, the next time you have leftover chili, don’t let it go to waste. Can it and enjoy it whenever you crave a hearty and satisfying meal.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: How long can I store canned chili?
A: Canned chili can be stored for up to 1 year in a cool, dark place.
Q: Can I use any type of canning jars?
A: Yes, you can use any type of canning jars, but make sure they are in good condition and have no cracks or chips.
Q: How do I know if a jar has sealed properly?
A: Press the center of the lid; it should not flex or pop up. If a lid does not seal properly, discard the jar.